I'm writing to bring you up to date on the Arctic Winter Trial, especially if you were one of those unable to be at the Gaydon briefing day on 3 November.

As I reported at that meeting, the number of participants entered so far is sadly less than we had hoped, and we now anticipate that a small but select band of around 30 crews will set off from Gothenburg on what promises to be a superb trip.

News of entries. The good news is that entries do continue to arrive, if not in a flood. Four new crews came in at or immediately after Gaydon, and a couple more since. Let's all keep working at it!

The current entry list is divided roughly 50:50 between classics and 4x4s. The majority of the entrants on the Historic Regularity Rally are from Britain, and include Paul and Jayne Wignall's Volvo PV 544, the Mercedes 220S fintail of Nigel and David Redwood, and the Aston Martin DB6 of David MacKay and Desmond Smail. Continental crews include Dieter Krönung's Rover P5B, and the Jaguar (or Porsche) of William and Rita van der Straaten.

The Porsche factory at Stuttgart are helping to prepare the personal 1972 911T of Hans-Jörg Götzl, Editor of the leading German classic car magazine Motor Klassik. His co-driver will be fellow journalist Michael Petersen, motoring correspondent of the newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung. Hans-Jörg is particularly pleased with the bright orange colour, which he says will stand out well against the snow!

Among the Touring Entrants are two historic Mercedes, the 219 saloon of Austrians Erik and Margit Skreiner, and the 190SL of Hermann and Agnes Demuth.

Most of the 4x4s have opted for the non-competitive Adventure Drive, including (among the HERO regulars) the Jeep Cherokee of Angela Fenhalls and Diana Runger, the Land Rover of Greg Stanley and Chris Cooper, and a car yet to be specified for Sir Terence English.

A sprinkling of 4x4s, however, have opted for the Regularity Rally, including Angus Stamper and Richard Beechener, and Mary Jo and Mark I'Anson in vehicles as yet unspecified.

Tyres. I attach an information sheet about studded tyres which was distributed at the Briefing Day. Arne Hertz has now in addition been approached by Nokia Tyres of Finland, who are interested in supplying us. To help us assess the demand, could you please complete the attached questionnaire and return it to me?

Clothing. Advice and details about the right clothing to wear in a cold climate are attached, together with prizes and sizes available. Please contact InCompass directly to place your order.

Ferries. The enclosed information sheet gives details of the various ferry services available to participants from the UK and form the main continent of Europe. Book direct with the contacts shown.

Route progress. The draft roadbook is nearing completion, based on Arne Hertz's reconnaissance trips earlier in the year. At the end of January, Arne will travel the whole route, to check the roads in winter conditions.

Arctic Trophy. In view of the availability of spaces, we have decided to offer a lower-cost, five-day alternative to those who cannot afford the time or cost for the full event - details attached. (Please note, in terms of rallying days and distance, not to mention the stunning scenery of north Norway and the visit to the North Cape, the full event gives better value and 'more bang for your buck'.)

Stop press - we are currently negotiating with a major motor manufacturer for a substantial package of support - watch this space!

See you in Gothenburg!

John Brown
Clerk of the Course